Volunteering as a family

Being part of TOUCHpoint@Geylang Bahru, an Active Ageing Centre (AAC), is truly a family affair for Mr Ong Hian Seng. The 72-year-old retiree participates in activities and volunteers alongside his wife Mdm Tay Bee Wah, 70. During the school holidays, their primary-school-aged granddaughter Olivia Ong also gets involved, guiding seniors during exercise sessions.

“I arrange chairs three times a week for the morning exercise sessions. I would also look out for seniors when they arrive early. If I encounter any issues, I will report to the centre staff. I also provide logistical support for other activities. During school holidays, my granddaughter Olivia would come along too. We are both volunteers,” adds Mr Ong with a smile. “It was my wife who asked her if she wanted to exercise with the seniors and be a volunteer. Olivia enjoys being in the company of all the uncles and aunties, and finds the experience meaningful.”

Caption: Empowered to be a resident activator in Geylang Bahru

Caption: Senior Volunteer Mdm Goh Choo Eng (left) teaming up with Olivia Ong (middle) to help seniors from TOUCHpoint@Geylang Bahru stay fit

“I always invite my friends to come to TOUCHpoint@Geylang Bahru. I want to encourage them to stay healthy. They are very supportive and I am glad that they have also joined me as volunteers,” shares Mr Ong, who drops by the centre daily and provides logistical support at the AAC’s events.

Caption: Mr Ong (second from right) and his friends volunteering at a community event

Walking to better health

Mr Ong also enjoys linking seniors to activities that interest them and getting them involved in various capacities. As he drives, he would recce the walk route for the monthly walking group "趴趴走," which translates to "Pat Pat and Go". Set up in 2023, its aim is to encourage seniors to stay active and improve their health through regular walks. 

Caption: Enjoying family bonding at the Rail Corridor

Caption: TOUCHpoint@Geylang Bahru seniors enjoying a relaxing hike at Mount Faber Park

With a soft spot for seniors, Mr Ong always keeps a watchful eye on the older ones. “When seniors gather, they are so happy. In the past, we only had a few seniors who joined our walking group. Now, we have some 30 seniors, and we have gone to places like the Rail Corridor, Bukit Timah Hill, Mount Faber, Pulau Ubin, Woodlands Waterfront Park, Sembawang Hot Spring Park and Botanic Gardens,” says Mr Ong, who is especially inspired by the enthusiasm of seniors with mobility challenges who bravely participate and join in the fun. 

“Mr Ong is a very organised and committed volunteer. He has been a great help! He recces our walking venue and gives good advice on safety issues. He also accompanies our seniors on public transport to the walking venue, allowing me to focus on other logistical tasks,” says Mr James Lee, Executive from TOUCHpoint@Geylang Bahru, who runs the walking group and exercise sessions. “Mr Ong is very reliable. He is the first to arrive for our morning exercise sessions and the last to leave, making sure that the chairs are properly arranged and kept.”

Caption: Mr Ong constantly keeps a close watch over vulnerable seniors 

Activating neighbours as connectors

Mr Ong also participates actively in the Good Neighbour Programme, an initiative by TOUCH, which encourages seniors to reach out to their neighbours, promote active ageing, foster stronger social bonds in the neighbourhood and reduce social isolation to support ageing in community.

As a good neighbour, Mr Ong also serves as the “eyes and ears” on the ground. He would alert the centre staff of seniors in need, allowing timely help to be provided. “Mr Ong exemplifies the spirit of a resident connector. He invites his neighbours to the centre’s activities to pursue their own interests, learn new skills and serve the community. He has also gone the extra mile by volunteering at our AAC in Wellington, extending his outreach to seniors beyond Geylang Bahru.

Mr Ong also has a good network of male friends and this has enabled him to encourage other male seniors to join our activities within a short span of time. This is a good start!” says Mr Alvin Ong, Centre Manager, TOUCHpoint@Geylang Bahru.

Caption: Mr Alvin Ong (right) having a lively conversation with Mr Ong (third from right) and senior volunteers

Caption: Geylang Bahru senior volunteers all set for a community outreach session in Wellington

Caption: Senior volunteers reaching out to seniors in Wellington

Seniors like Mr Ong can be equipped as resources to support ageing in community. They can inspire other seniors to grow from being care recipients to becoming peer supports for their neighbours.

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TOUCH runs five Active Ageing Centres (AACs) located in Ang Mo Kio, Geylang Bahru, Wellington and Yishun. AACs serve all seniors living within the neighbourhood, and act as a go-to-point to receive timely access to quality care. Our AACs are supported by TOUCH’s trans-disciplinary team of eldercare specialists, leveraging community resources to achieve long-term wellness to prevent and delay frailty, and to help seniors age well in the community.    

Story published in 2024.